DEAR ABBY: I recently invited an acquaintance to be my guest at a play I'm directing and to the cast party afterward. I like this man, and he's done me a number of favors, so the invitation was a sort of thank-you. I haven't heard one way or the other from the invitee. I don't want to push and make the person uncomfortable, but I'd like to know whether he's coming or not. Should I follow up with him or let it go? -- NEEDS TO KNOW IN NEW YORK
DEAR NEEDS TO KNOW: By not responding to your invitation, the man is letting you know that it's not high on his list of priorities. Personally, I think you should let it go. And if he asks about the play just before it opens, tell him that you made other plans because you thought he wasn't interested. Because you like him, say it nicely. But to leave you hanging is rude.